Harry Maguire prefers to play for a ‘bigger club’ than West Ham United
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire would prefer to play for a ‘bigger club’ than West Ham United.
The Hammers submitted a £20million offer for the England international on Friday, an offer that was turned down by United. Erik ten Hag views his former captain as a valuable member of his squad with United not actively looking to sell him this summer.
Sky Sports report the Old Trafford club are looking for a fee of around £40million for the 29-year-old. It remains to be seen whether West Ham will return with an improved offer but there are other stumbling blocks in the way.
Maguire’s Wages and Desire to Play For a Bigger Club
According to The Times, Maguire has designs on joining a ‘bigger club’ than David Moyes’ side if he does leave Manchester. His wages are also though to be an issue with the former Leicester star on £200,000-per-week.
United have also already rejected a loan move for Maguire from West Ham.
Maguire’s Role at Manchester United
Maguire lost his place in the starting XI at the start of the 2022-23 season with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane now Erik ten Hag’s firm first choice pairing at the back.
Victor Lindelof was preferred to the England international during the season-run in while Luke Shaw was also shifted inside ahead of Maguire when other options were not available, occasionally leaving him fifth choice at centre-half.
He started just nine Premier League games last season but so far there has been no clear indication that Maguire wants to leave this summer, with reports suggesting he wants to fight to regain his place in the side next season.
West Ham Interest in Scott McTominay
West Ham are also interested in signing Scott McTominay from United as they seek a replacement for Declan Rice following his £105m move to Arsenal.
Like Maguire, United are not actively looking to sell the Scotland international, viewing him as a valuable squad player. It would take an offer of around £40m to £45m to tempt United into doing business.
Conclusion
Harry Maguire’s future at Manchester United is still uncertain, with West Ham’s initial bid of £20million falling well short of United’s valuation. Maguire is also said to prefer a move to a bigger club than West Ham, and his high wages could prove to be another stumbling block. West Ham are also interested in signing Scott McTominay from United, but it would take an offer of around £40m to £45m to tempt United into doing business.
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